General Dentistry Mountain View
Maintaining a strict dental hygiene routine is one of the best ways that you can keep a healthy and happy smile for yourself and for the world. However, have you ever wondered about the little things you do everyday that could be hurting your teeth? More than just brushing and flossing regularly, consider these tricks and tips for keeping your smile safe.
Change your toothbrush regularly, and make sure you’re brushing with a soft-bristled, multi-tufted brush as to avoid rough abrasion on teeth and gums.
Watch what you’re crunching! Chomping on fingernails, ice cubes, or using your teeth as tools to open plastic bags or bottle caps strains your teeth much outside the realms of what they are designed to withstand! Forcing so much pressure on your teeth can easily and immediately cause cracks or fractures.
Refrain from constant acid consumption through sugary drinks like sodas, sports’ drinks, or coffee. Monitor your regular sugar intake through candies and carbohydrates as these too lead to immediate and intense acid production in the mouth – inevitably breaking down tooth enamel and lead to gum erosion, leaving your mouth defenseless against lurking bacteria.
For the best defense against tooth decay, wait about 30 minutes after eating or drinking to brush your teeth. While you’re eating and drinking, acid is created as a part of your body’s natural process to break down food. Immediately brushing after food consumption can allow that acid to break down tooth enamel, rather than scrubbing your enamel clean.
To learn more about maintaining healthy teeth and gums, or to schedule your next appointment at Mountain View Smiles, call your Mountain View dentist Dr. Geeta Pirouznia at 650-968-5024 today!